How to visit Azenhas do Mar? + Best Things to Do

Everything you need to know before visiting Azenhas do Mar

Is Azenhas do Mar worth visiting?

Azenhas do Mar is definitely worth a visit. This charming coastal village has stunning views, with whitewashed houses perched on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the natural beauty. 

Unlike the busier tourist spots like Sintra and Cascais, Azenhas do Mar offers a peaceful escape with its narrow streets and traditional Portuguese architecture.

You don’t have to take my word for it, because this travel guide will help you discover the best things to do in Azenhas do Mar and feature some stunning photos to inspire you to visit Azenhas do Mar.

Where is Azenhas do Mar?

Azenhas do Mar is approximately 40 kilometers from Lisbon and just 15 kilometers from Sintra. This makes Azenhas do Mar a perfect day trip from Lisbon and it can be easily combined with your trip to Sintra.

Nearby attractions include the beautiful Praia das Maçãs beach and the Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

How long does it take to visit Azenhas do Mar?

Visiting Azenhas do Mar can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on your interests and schedule. Overall, the time you spend in Azenhas do Mar depends on how deeply you want to explore and enjoy this beautiful coastal gem.

Half-day Visit: If you’re short on time, you can spend a few hours exploring the village. This will give you enough time to walk around the charming streets, enjoy the stunning cliffside views, and have a meal at one of the local seafood restaurants.

Full-day Visit: To fully appreciate the beauty of Azenhas do Mar, consider spending a full day. This way, you can include some relaxing beach time or trek and enjoy everything that Azenhas do Mar has to offer.

Overnight Stay: If you have more time, staying overnight can be a wonderful experience. This allows you to enjoy the sunset views and explore the nearby attractions such as Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca.

Where to stay in Azenhas do Mar?

If you decide to spend a night or more in Azenhas do Mar and want to explore the rest of the area, here are some of the top-rated accommodations in the heart of Azenhas do Mar:

• Um Lugar ao Sol Beach House Azenhas do Mar
• Azenhas do Mar West Coast Design and Surf Villas
• Villa Sublime (located a bit further away, but great for big groups)

How to visit Azenhas do Mar from Lisbon by public transport?

First, you will need to jump on the Sintra Line train, and the most convenient departure point is the Rossio train station, centrally located in downtown Lisbon. Another important station is located in Oriente. Other connections: Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos, and Sete Rios.

Trains from Rossio to Sintra are frequent, typically running every 20 to 30 minutes. The train ride takes approximately 40 minutes; however, it can get packed during rush hour, and seats can’t be pre-booked.

A single ticket costs 2.30 euros. You can buy your tickets at ticket counters or ticket vending machines inside the train station. If this is your first time using public transport in Lisbon, you will need to purchase a “Viva Viagem” card which costs 0.50 euros.

Please make sure you validate your card at one of the machines on the platforms. You won’t be able to validate your card inside the train and you could end up with a fine in this case, so don’t forget this step.

Make sure you get off at Portela de Sintra instead of the final stop and look for bus 1248 or 1254 near P3 Entrada Norte. It takes approximately one hour from the station to reach Azenhas do Mar. Google Maps will give you the exact departure time and lead you to it.

Uber/Bolt from Lisbon costs 30-40 euros depending on the traffic and takes less than an hour. Uber/Bolt from Sintra costs around 10 euros and takes 20 minutes.

If you have a car, it is an easy hour our ride from Lisbon, however, parking is very limited. You can find a few limited spots nearby Água e Sal.

Want to book a tour to Azenhas do Mar?

Most tours are so packed with Sintra Palaces that they have to rush to Cabo da Roca afterward, and there is no time to visit Azenhas do Mar. If you want to combine visiting Azenhas do Mar with Sintra Palaces, you will have to ask for a customized private tour.

However, if you want to discover less popular places outside of Lisbon, you will absolutely love this private tour that includes Azenhas do Mar, Mafra, Ericeira, the National Palace of Queluz, and my personal favorite – Aldeia Da Mata Pequena.

This is another tour that includes Azenhas do Mar, coastal villages, and Mafra. This is not a private tour, which makes it a bit more affordable option.

When is the best time to visit Azenhas do Mar?

The best time to visit Azenhas do Mar is from late spring to early autumn, specifically May to September. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the village and enjoying outdoor activities.

Late spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer, from July to August, is ideal for beach activities but can be crowded. Winter can be charming but cooler and not suitable for beach time.

Top things to do in Azhenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar Beach

Relaxing at the beach is probably the best thing to do in Azenhas do Mar. Despite its beauty, the beach is relatively laid back and doesn’t get extremely crowded. In the shoulder seasons, you might find it even empty and all for yourself!

There are no sunbeds or beach clubs at Azenhas do Mar, so if you are planning to stay on the beach, bring your own stuff. On the bright side, this beach is public and you can visit it for free.

The beach is relatively small and offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere. It’s a great spot to surf, which means that swimming conditions are not the best, especially for inexperienced swimmers, but that’s why there is a natural swimming pool right on the beach.

Keep in mind! During the high tide, this beach is not accessible.

Natural swimming pool in Azenhas do Mar

Just next to the beach, Azenhas do Mar blesses its visitors with a small but beautiful natural swimming pool. As the waves can be pretty strong they form a calm natural swimming pool where you can refresh even if you are not an experienced swimmers.

There is also a bar right next to the natural swimming pool; however, it is not great when it comes to food and drinks. But it definitely offers fantastic beach vibes if you want to sit down comfortably and soak in the views.

Have lunch in Azenhas do Mar

Just a few years ago, dining options in Azenhas do Mar were quite limited. However, as the village has gained popularity, trying local specialties like barnacles has become a must-do activity in Azenhas do Mar.

Restaurant Azenhas do Mar is probably the most famous spot, offering a stunning view of the beach and an upscale atmosphere. Its romantic setting and delicious seafood make it one of the top restaurants in Azenhas do Mar.

For a cozier atmosphere and a taste of Portuguese hospitality, head to Adega das Azenhas located a short walk from the beach. This is a favorite among locals for its fantastic fish dishes at competitive prices.

Capture the views of Azenhas do Mar

You can’t leave without taking the iconic photo from the viewpoint of Azenhas do Mar. And even if you are not a professional photographer, don’t worry. The views will work in your favor!

Look up Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar and start walking. It is easy to find and takes approximately 5 minutes from the heart of town, and 10-15 minutes if you are coming from the beach (take the stairs on your right).

My recommendation is to come at sunset to enjoy the magic colors of the sky blending with the waves of the ocean. An experience you won’t forget!

Trek around Azenhas do Mar

If you’re spending more time in Azenhas do Mar and want to enjoy a nature walk, you’ll love the Azenhas do Mar to Praia do Magoito trek. It’s a relatively easy trail that’s perfect for a relaxing hike.

The trek is just over 3 kilometers long and takes less than an hour each way. Double the distance and time because you will need to trek back to your starting point. 

Most of the path is an easy walk along a dirt road that follows the coastline, with a gentle descent to the beach. This trek is suitable for beginners and children, but it’s best to avoid it during or after heavy rain, as the roads can get muddy.

During our time in Azenhas do Mar, we managed to wander off the coastline. First, you have to walk on the side of the road, but at some point, you will come across some country roads with abandoned windmills and flower fields. 

Unfortunately, I can’t locate our exact road on Google Maps, but don’t be afraid to wander off and make your own discoveries!

Experienced hikers, will love the route to Praia das Maçãs (on the side of the road) and then hike to Cabo da Roca.

Final thoughts…

This is the end of the best things to do in Azenhas do Mar and I am pretty sure we have convinced you that this hidden gem in Sintra needs to be discovered during your next trip to Lisbon.

I would love to hear your feedback, so feel free to leave a comment below. If you need further help with planning, check out these Lisbon travel tips, hotel recommendations, or food guides.